Niagara Falls Rotary Club has cancelled the city’s Ribfest event after twenty years, noting rising costs and decreasing participation.

“The difficult decision to conclude the annual event comes as a result of escalating expenses, a decline in available assistance, and a noticeable decrease in community participation and revenue,” a Mar. 1 press release from Niagara Falls Rotary Ribfest said.

Since its inception in 2005, the event has raised approximately $500,000, “benefiting a variety of causes and making a lasting impact on our local community.”